GEMS Heritage

From humble beginnings, GEMS Education has grown to become one of the world's largest private education providers.

A 60-Year Legacy

It all started in 1959, when two passionate teachers left Kerala, India for the United Arab Emirates, seeking a better life for their family. KS and Mariamma Varkey took a big risk but, what they found in their new home was a real need to provide a quality education to the many children arriving in the city from across the world. Little did the Varkey’s know then that their one small school, initially based in a villa, would turn into a global education giant.

In 1980, KS and Mariamma’s son, Sunny Varkey, added a visionary’s touch to his parents’ practical experience, and from humble beginnings rooted in a family of teachers, GEMS Education has today become a truly global organisation and the largest K-12 private education provider in the world. It remains a family business to this day, with the third generation of Varkey’s actively involved in the day-to-day running of the company under the direction of the Chairman. GEMS Education now has operations in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the US and is firmly committed to expansion into other markets. It puts a significant focus on investment in Education Technology, Artificial Intelligence and building Centres of Excellence for the benefit of each and every student.

Drawing on a legacy spanning over 60 years, the GEMS Education mission remains unwavering: to put a quality education within the reach of every learner no matter where they are.